A number of initiatives are in place to gentrify the Roodepoort central business district, which has suffered over the years from business flight to decentralised nodes around the region.

Though retail, commercial and office facilities exist, their presence is on a much smaller scale, catering just for the surrounding communities. It is hoped the area can also be revitalised through the provision of affordable housing.

Growth in residential and commercial activity has been much higher in and around areas to the west of the Westgate node, as well as in similar developments along Ontdekkers Road to the north of Westgate Mall.

Developments around Northgate Shopping Centre and the Coca-Cola Dome include quality office space and a hotel. The approved Millennium Centre and Panorama Office Park are part of the development around and to the west of the Constantia Basin office node and Hillfox Centre.

In addition, there is retail and office development around the Rock Cottage node on the corner of Christiaan de Wet Road and John Vorster Drive, and office park development south of the Olivedale Clinic off Jacaranda Road. There has also been a rise in office park developments in the region.

There is very little industrial development along the mining belt because of geotechnical constraints and pollution, with such developments concentrated in Laser Park.